Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk ash-Shara, leading a high-ranking political delegation, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday and was officially welcomed by his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi.

The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that upon his arrival, the Syrian Foreign Minister told reporters that he carried a message from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.

The visiting Minister is due to meet with President Khatami as well as his Iranian counterpart regarding the latest regional and international developments, especially the current situation in occupied Palestine.

The visit is aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest to Tehran and Damascus. Ash-Shara is also expected to brief Iranian officials on the outcomes of the Syrian President's recent visits to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. (Albawaba.com)